This species requires pristine water and has an ideal temperature range of 25.56°C – 28.3°C. It is very popular in Australian commercial aquaculture, because it is viable, has a high food conversion ratio, and is fast growing. But, it is aggressive and can be cannibalistic towards smaller fish. It reaches plate size in 12 months.
Barramundi is one of the most popular fish raised in aquaculture in Australia. They also make a great aquaponics fish and can be kept in both fresh and saltwater systems. As an edible aquaponics fish, barramundi has flaky white flesh and are regarded as a good species for eating.
It is important to keep barramundi separated by size because there is a substantial risk of smaller young fish being injured or eaten. This can be solved by purchasing larger juvenile fish instead of fingerlings. It can also be solved by grading the fish between tanks depending on their size. Barramundi needs pristine water conditions and high dissolved oxygen levels to be happy and healthy. These aquaponics fish provide high amounts of waste to keep grow beds thriving, they are satisfying fish to raise, and grow to plate size quickly.
In practice Barramundi, are very similar to rearing trout but need consistent warm water rather than requiring only cold water. It is because of this that they are not kept in climates that have a substantial shift in seasonal temperatures. Some Australian aquaponists will grow trout through the winter, and barramundi through summer wherever either is available.
Conclusion
Viable, popular in Australian commercial aquaculture, require pristine water, high food conversion ratio, fast-growing, aggressive can be cannibalistic towards smaller fish.
Ideal Temperature Range: 25.56°C – 28.3°C
